Call for businesses to apply for net zero programme

Businesses in Rochdale have until Monday 26 July to sign up for the second cohort of an online programme which will help them to cut their carbon footprint and reduce costs.

‘Journey to Net Zero’ has been launched by GC Business Growth Hub and is targeted at SMEs across Greater Manchester who are in the early stages on the path to net zero emissions.

Delegates will benefit from 10 themed sessions delivered through online workshops, one-to-one advice and shared learning – to help them to minimise the risks to their business from climate change and increase their market share and customer base.

GC Business Growth Hub is part of The Growth Company and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The fully-funded programme is delivered by the hub’s environmental specialists who collectively have more than 150 years’ experience in supporting SMEs to become cleaner, greener and more profitable.

Since 2012, the net zero specialists have helped SMEs in Greater Manchester save two million tonnes of carbon and £500 million in energy, material and waste costs.

Jenny Heil, Business Development Manager at Smith Goodfellow PR, said: “Just a few weeks in, the Journey to Net Zero programme is proving extremely valuable.

“Each session is informative, providing an in depth and rigorous exploration of the challenges and wider context.

“Where the programme really shines is in the practical tools and strategies it is providing within a realistic framework, enabling small businesses like ours to be proactive in making improvements without being over ambitious. We’re really excited to see where this takes us.”

Journey to Net Zero participants will be guided through what the net zero transition means for them and how to prioritise action.

At the end of the programme, they will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to develop and implement a strategic action plan to cut their emissions, minimise risk, and benefit from greener and more efficient ways of working.

They will also receive ongoing support from advisors and an opportunity to join a network of likeminded businesses, which will offer the programme’s alumni access to latest news, best practice and networking opportunities.

Councillor Neil Emmott, who leads Rochdale Council and is the Greater Manchester Combined Authority portfolio lead for Green City Region, said: “Greater Manchester is committed to becoming carbon neural by 2038. To do this, we all need to make changes, small and big, to achieve an urgent and significant reduction in carbon emissions.

“SMEs are responsible for nearly half the UK’s business-related emissions, and large companies are increasingly focusing on their supply chain to reduce their environmental impact.

“I would encourage every organisation to jump at the chance to join this innovative programme and capitalise on the many opportunities awaiting them in the net zero world.”

Places for Journey to Net Zero are limited and the first cohort was fully-subscribed. Businesses can apply online now to register at www.businessgrowthhub.com/netzero.